San Diego Chargers' Eddie Royal, right, dives for a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles' Nate Allen defends during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

San Diego Chargers wide receiver Eddie Royal has been one of the biggest surprises through weeks of the fantasy football season. He leads the NFL with five touchdown catches, including three scores in a Week 2 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Can the veteran continue to produce in San Diego's red-hot offense? Possibly, but he'll have to overcome a history of minor injuries to do it. Here's a look at the pros and cons of using a waiver wire claim on Royal.

Overview: Veteran wide receiver who has torched opposing defenses with five touchdowns through two games.

Background: A second-round pick of the Denver Broncos in the 2008 NFL draft. … is in his second season with the Chargers after spending his first four in Denver. … caught 91 passes for 980 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie in '08. … has been slowed with an assortment of injuries, including a nagging hamstring that limited him in '12.

2013 stats: 10 catches, 14 targets, 114 yards, 5 TDs

Numbers and trends: Has already matched his career-high with five touchdowns. … only two other Chargers -- WR Vincent Brown and RB Ryan Mathews -- have recorded TDs this season. … San Diego is relying on QB Philip Rivers' right arm with 76 passes and just 51 runs in two games. … Royal is tied with TE Antonio Gates for the team lead with 14 targets, though three other players have at least 11.

Strengths: Has been a factor in fantasy leagues before and can be again, if healthy. … Chargers WR corps lacks proven commodities, and Royal has taken advantage through two weeks. … QB Philip Rivers looks rejuvenated with seven touchdown passes to just one interception. … Chargers are relying on passing attack more than ever, which bodes well for Royal. … San Diego has a favorable schedule chock full of vulnerable defenses.

Risk factors: Injuries can never be discounted, given Royal's history of minor ailments. … San Diego has questions along the offensive line, which could weigh down the passing game against quality pass rushes. … the bulk of Royal's value is currently derived from touchdowns, which are sure to fade as the season wears on.

ESPN ownership: 12.8 percent.

Verdict: Worth riding the hot hand through a favorable stretch that includes four opponents that rank 17th or worse in pass defense.